Saturn VUE

Admiring the VUE.

The may be the vehicle that helps finally become a genuine contender in the U.S. marketplace. Although a late entry into the small sport-utility segment, Saturn's first-ever SUV offers some interesting features and technologies (it's the first SUV with a continuously variable automatic transmission; more on this later) that set it apart from the herd.

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While VUE doesn't actually stand for anything, Jill Lajdziak, vice president for Saturn sales, service and marketing, said, "We named it the VUE because it brings a new perspective to the sport-utility market." That perspective? Combining the utility and safety features of a traditional SUV with the comfort and handling dynamics of a sedan.

The VUE looks like a combination of an SUV and the Saturn S- and L-series cars. It's fairly blocky, but carries the Saturn family grille and rectangular headlight treatment. While the styling is a bit bland, the headlights and the trademark Saturn side-view swoosh spark some interest.

But what you really care about is how this all-new Saturn drives. While it won't set the world on fire, it does quite well for itself. Despite steering that's certainly not sports-car precise and a bit of a floaty nature to the suspension, you can really flog this sport-ute on twisty roads. It helps that the VUE front-wheel-drive models ride on P215/70SR-16 tires, while all-wheel-drive VUEs plant themselves on P235/70SR-16s. The VUE corners with carlike ability, with a minimum of roll (for an SUV) and tire squeal. And because of a longest-in-class wheelbase, there isn't a feeling of choppiness.

The suspension is independent front and rear, which contributes greatly to its on-road prowess (Saturn acknowledges that the VUE is not intended for serious off-roading). It also features electrically assisted power steering, which does a good job of providing assist for low-speed maneuvers while giving greater feedback at higher speeds. Another benefit to this system is the lack of a hydraulic pump to run the power steering, thereby increasing fuel efficiency.

The VUE uses the same engine lineup as the midsize L-series sedan. The base engine is an aluminum 2.2-liter dohc 4-cylinder with 143 bhp and 152 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to either a 5-speed manual or Saturn's all-new CVT, which they've dubbed VTi. The manual is available only in front-wheel-drive configuration, while the VTi can be either front- or all-wheel drive.

The VTi is not available with the 3.0-liter 181-bhp V-6, as the transmission would have to be considerably stronger to handle the extra power and torque (195 lb.-ft.). But the V-6 VUE comes with a 5-speed conventional automatic that is quite good, and all V-6s have all-wheel drive.

People not familiar with CVTs might be thrown off at first by its operation — on acceleration it seems to stay at the same rpm forever. But the VTi can help compensate for an underpowered engine — especially on long, sustained climbs where a lack of power and the up-and-down hunting of a conventional automatic can be annoying. While slow off the line (and having a bit of the rubber-band effect like a snowmobile), the VTi gives very smooth, basically shiftless operation.

While the VUE mimics its competition in the brake department, using front (vented) discs and rear drums, it's surprising that the higher-end V-6 awd model does not come with ABS standard (it's optional). This seems odd for a vehicle (and company) promoting safety.

In trying to give the VUE some carlike qualities, Saturn gave it a very low step-in height (much appreciated). The interior is Saturn-pleasant, with the generously sized analog speedometer and tachometer dominating the dashboard — simple, but very effective. The front seats are comfortable, and the front passenger seat folds down flat to allow the hauling of 8-ft.-long objects with the tailgate closed. The rear seat is also easy to get in and out of.

While it would be nice to have a little less hard plastic and more soft-touch pieces, this is a cost-conscious vehicle. And cost (or lack thereof) will be one of the selling points of the VUE. The 4-cylinder front-wheel-drive model with the 5-speed manual starts at $16,835, with the V-6 all-wheel drive coming in at $23,085.

That's a lot of SUV for the money, and when you factor in the Saturn dealer experience (low-pressure salespeople and no-haggle pricing), the VUE should find plenty of happy "soft-roader" buyers. And that should keep Saturn in the ballgame.